Akashi to Awaji Island Ferry
Akashi to Awaji Island Ferry 明石-岩屋
The Marin Awaji, a high speed catamaran ferry that runs between Awaji Island and Akashi in Hyogo
Awaji Island is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea between the main island of Honshu and Shikoku. According to myth it was the first of the Japanese islands created by the gods.
In 1998 the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, connected Awaji with Honshu and since then the numerous ferries that provided access to and from the island have ceased operations and now only a single ferry is left in operation.
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, longest suspension bridge in the world, seen from the Akashi-Iwaya Ferry
Ferry terminal in Akashi for the ferry to Awaji Island
Timetable
The Akashi Awaji Ferry runs between Akashi Port in Hyogo Prefecture and Iwaya Port on Awaji Island. It is a frequent, convenient and inexpensive way for pedestrians and cyclists to travel to and from the island.
The ferry terminal in Akashi is quite primitive and has no ticket office. So buy your ticket from the vending machines. The boats are comfortable and include an inside lounge as well as large areas on deck for when the weather is good enough to enjoy the view. It takes only 15 minutes for the crossing and the boat passes below the stupendous suspension bridge.
Timetable (in Japanese )
Fares
The fare is 500 yen one way for adults, 250 yen for kids. A bicycle is an extra 220 yen. A moped or small motorbike is 450 yen.
There are more than 30 crossings a day in each direction starting early in the morning until late at night. The first boat from Akashi is at 5.40 am with the last sailing at 11.40 pm.
The terminal at Iwaya is more substantial with a ticket office, an eatery, several food shops as well as fresh vegetables and fresh fish. There is also a small Tourist Information Office and bicycles can be rented. The best way to get around the northern part of the island is by bus.
Comfortable lounge on the Akashi-Iwaya Ferry
Loop Bus
The Awaji Loop Bus runs an approximately 30 kilometer loop around the northern part of the island in both directions. This small shuttle-type bus passes most of the major tourist spots in the area including Yumebutai, Water Temple, Awaji Flower Park, the Earthquake Museum, Prefectural Park, and Esaki Lighthouse.
It also stops at Higashiura bus station for buses heading further south down the island. There are 8 or 9 buses a day in each direction. Tickets are 500 yen for a single journey or 1,000 yen for a one day pass. More details can be had from the tourist information office in the ferry building.
Loop Bus operating a 30 km circuit around the northern part of Awaji Island
Ticket office in Iwaya Ferry Terminal for ferries from Awaji Island to Akashi
Ferry Terminals
Akashi Ferry Terminal
2-Chome-10-1 Honmachi
Akashi-shi, Hyogo 673-0892
Tel: 0789 918 2411
The Akashi Ferry Terminal is located 650 meters south of JR Akashi Station and San-yo Akashi Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway Main Line. There is a bus that can take you 400 meters in the right direction.
Iwaya Ferry Terminal
925-27 Iwaya
Awaji-shi, Hyogo 656-2401
Tel: 0799 72 2015
The journey to San-yo Akashi Station is 31 minutes from Himeji on the Sanyo Electric Railway Main Line. Akashi Station is 23 minutes from JR Sannomiya Station in Kobe on the JR Kobe Line.
Akashi is easily reached from nearby Kobe, Kyoto or Osaka.
Ferry Terminal in Iwaya on Awaji Island
Accommodation in Akashi
Accommodation in Akashi includes the two star Hotel Castle Plaza and the three star Green Hill Hotel Akashi, which is handy for Akashi Station and the Akashi Municipal Cultural Museum.
Also in the locality are the three star ryokan Hitomaru Kadan, the Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe and the Hotel Setre Kobe Maiko, both large four star hotels situated right on the waterfront near the bridge.
Area Map
Nearby
Akashi Castle - built in 1619 to protect the approach to Osaka from the west.
Shimanami Kaido - 60 kilometer expressway that links the main island of Honshu with the island of Shikoku.
Maiko Park - a pleasant park with views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and some historic residences.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Kobe Japan
Books on Japan
Akashi to Awaji Island Ferry: a high speed ferry runs from Akashi in Honshu to the Iwaya Ferry Terminal in the north of Awaji Island.
